Four Mobile Policemen Killed in Benue State Ambush by Suspected Fulani Herdsmen
A tragic incident unfolded in Udei, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where four mobile policemen lost their lives in an ambush by suspected
Udei, Guma LGA, Benue State
UDEI, BENUE STATE – A tragic incident unfolded in Udei, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where four mobile policemen lost their lives in an ambush by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Graphic images circulating on social media, including X, show the bodies of the fallen officers lying in a field, sparking outrage and grief among local residents and online communities.
The attack, which occurred while the officers were reportedly protecting civilians, has reignited concerns over the escalating farmer-herder conflicts plaguing Nigeria’s Middle Belt. According to a post by
@adokwuandy
on X at 10:08 AM today, the policemen "died while trying to protect us," with the post accusing national leadership of failing to ensure their safety. The tweet, accompanied by disturbing images, has garnered significant attention, with users expressing frustration over the incident.Context of Violence
This incident is part of a broader wave of violence in Benue State, where tensions between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers have persisted for years. A 2025 report from Naija News confirmed at least four deaths in a shootout in the region, aligning with the current event. Additionally, a May 2025 article in The Guardian reported 42 deaths in similar clashes, underscoring the region’s ongoing security crisis. Despite a 2017 state law banning open grazing—reinforced by an executive order signed by Governor Hyacinth Alia in February 2024—the violence has continued, raising questions about enforcement and policy effectiveness.
The Middle Belt, a volatile region where Muslim Fulani herders and predominantly Christian farmers vie for land, has seen over 5,700 lives lost to such conflicts since 2011, according to the Benue NGOs Network. Environmental factors, including desertification and shrinking pasturelands, have exacerbated the disputes, as noted in a recent Wikipedia update on herder-farmer conflicts.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
The timing of the attack has intensified public criticism of national leadership. President Bola Tinubu was on a state visit to Saint Lucia on June 29, 2025, a trip the Presidency defended as a "landmark diplomatic mission" to strengthen ties with the African diaspora, according to Punchng.com. However, the absence of the president during this crisis has fueled accusations of neglect, with X user
@adokwuandy
stating, "Bola Tinubu that shud protect them has failed and traveled to Saint Lucia."Local residents and online commentators have called for a state of emergency to address the spiraling violence.
@OladejiEmm12648
urged, "Anything state of emergency Government," reflecting a growing demand for decisive action.Community Response and Investigation
The attack has left the Udei community in mourning, with many attributing the deaths to the failure of security forces to curb the activities of armed herdsmen. A search party was dispatched following the incident, but details remain scarce as authorities work to confirm the number of casualties and apprehend the perpetrators.
Benue State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicate an investigation is underway. Governor Alia, who has previously established task forces to enforce the anti-open grazing law, is expected to address the public soon.
Looking Ahead
As the nation grapples with this latest tragedy, calls for enhanced security measures and dialogue between herders and farmers are growing louder. The deaths of these policemen serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of Nigeria’s unresolved land-use conflicts and the urgent need for effective governance to protect its citizens.
News House will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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